Despite the tremendous amount of technology service providers available to retailers, many are only considering two to three when making a moderate to major technology purchase. This was one of the more surprising findings from Total Retail's latest survey and report (featured in the chart below), The 2017 Retail Technology Report: An Analysis of Trends, Buying Behaviors…
The retail industry is experiencing the effects from the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its connected devices. According to the information services firm IHS Markit, there will be more than 20 billion internet-connected devices by the end of 2017, and this number is expected to grow to more than 30 billion in…
It’s that time of year again. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approaching, many retailers are hoping to have customers lined up outside, eager for the doors to open, or sitting excitedly at their computers, ready to shop for the best deals. In 2016, the National Retail Federation found that more than 154 million…
Lowe's is expanding its "Smart Home powered by b8ta" connected-home shopping experience to 70 stores nationwide. The store-within-a-store concept, which was developed in partnership with software-powered retailer b8ta, features a curated selection of smart home products — e.g., security systems, thermostats, cameras, lighting equipment, speakers — that shoppers learn about and try before making a…
This Saturday, Nov. 11, the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba will hold its annual Singles Day event, which last year grossed $17.8 billion (USD) in sales, up from $14.3 billion in 2015, according to a report from Fung Global Retail & Technology (FGRT). The 24-hour phenomenon has quickly become the world's largest shopping day, consistently surpassing…
It’s November and most retailers have been planning for the holiday season for several months. As brick-and-mortar establishments continue to evolve to compete with online competitors, it’s critical that retailers focus on those consumers who still plan to do their holiday shopping in-store, and how they can provide them with an enjoyable experience that meets…
Office Depot announced the launch of BizBox, its new business services platform that will provide startups and small businesses access to the core services needed to start and grow their businesses through a convenient subscription. Monthly services start at $99. BizBox will simplify business decisions and operations for SMBs, and builds upon Office Depot’s previously announced acquisition…
It’s no secret that there has been a shift in shopping behavior due to growth in millennial spending power, aging of baby boomers and the growth of online shopping. These changes are impacting pricing and demand, and are creating a disconnect for retailers and brands between what they're charging and how much consumers will actually…
The world of retail was rocked last month when Toys"R"Us filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Many took it as a bad omen or the proverbial “last gasp” of a dying industry. Headlines of a “Retail Crisis” permeated the news cycle and analysts poured over the reasons why — with most of the blame directed…
Despite the growing omnichannel nature of today’s consumers, many retailers aren't including omnichannel executives in the technology buying process. This was a key finding from Total Retail's latest survey and report, The 2017 Retail Technology Report: An Analysis of Trends, Buying Behaviors and Future Opportunities. The report, which was produced in conjunction with Radial, features the results of…
